The black stork is a rare and secretive wading bird breeding in European forests whose welfare depends on undisturbed woodland near clean rivers and streams.
Black stork welfare depends on access to mature woodland with nearby clean waterways for feeding. Disturbance near nest sites causes abandonment. River pollution and channelisation reduces fish and amphibian prey availability. Their secretive nature means welfare problems are difficult to detect. Any UK vagrant sightings should be observed carefully and from a distance.